Softball Announces Six Signings For The Upcoming Season

ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Head softball coach, Casey Cromwell, has announced the signing of six new Griffins for the upcoming 2019 campaign.

Joining Fontbonne for this year will be Madison Kettler, Grace Harlin, Daisy Watkins, Courtney Dingley, Lexi Becker and Abby Richmond.

Kettler, a Wentzville, Missouri, native, concluded her high school season at Holt with a .365 clip, 31 hits, 17 runs scored, two doubles, two triples and 13 RBI.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"She's a stand out player and starting third baseman at Holt. I'm very excited to get Kettler in purple for the next four years. I expect her to walk in and compete for a starting shortstop position and also be the incredible communicator that she is. She has a powerful swing yet the fine tune skills to bunt, hit behind runners and find ways on base."

Harlin, a Findlay, Illinois, native, attended Okaw Valley High School where she's coming off a year where she put up a .477 average, 41 hits, 39 runs scored, 10 doubles, two homers, 13 RBI and 11 stolen bases.

In her career, she finishes with a .393 average, 205 hits, 165 runs scored, 37 doubles, 14 triples, 95 RBI and 57 stolen bases.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Grace brings spend and bat control to the left side of the plate that we need. She's a player I have been keeping an eye on for a couple years now and I'm lucky enough to have picked up for Fontbonne. She will help us out in the outfield where we lost a few seniors and leaders."

Watkins, a Murphysboro, Illinois, native, is coming off a career-year at Murphysboro High School where she hit .292, totaling 26 hits, 20 runs scored, five doubles, three homers and 18 RBI. In 77 games, she finishes with a .258 average, 55 hits, 42 runs scored and 36 RBI.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Daisy happens to already run her own business and therefore brings a great deal of maturity in with her, and definitely does not lack energy. She has the speed in the outfield similar to recently graduated senior and centerfielder, Kayla Winkler, and also has a great arm to match her speed. At the plate, Daisy can beat out bunts, hit for power, and can simply out-energize pitchers on the mound to find ways to steal bases."

Dingley, a St. Clair, Missouri, native, was a utility player at St. Clair High School where she concluded with two runs scored this season.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Courtney comes in with an eager to learn mentality much like Most Improved in 2018, Vanessa Leone. Courtney will serve as a true utility player for us as she'll likely see infield and outfield time. Her light-hearted yet competitive nature will be awesome to have in the program as I think she'll mesh well with the group we have returning."

Becker, who attended Incarnate Word Academy, found success not only at the dish but inside the circle as well. At the plate, she finished the year with a .473 average, a .551 on-base percentage and a .637 slugging percentage. She totaled 43 hits, 44 runs scored, 11 doubles, two triples and 14 RBI.

On the rubber, the southpaw went 16-3 in 94.0 innings pitched, compiled a 1.56 ERA and struck out 64 batters.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"I'm excited to get Lexi in here as she will be one of two lefty pitchers in the conference. Lexi is not overpowering but can mix speeds and hit spots well to keep offenses at bay. She likes to hit from the left side which is exciting to put in the lineup and will more than likely find herself playing some outfield as well. She's incredibly smart and wants to understand the game at a higher level and that's why I think she will be effective on the mound for us next year."

Richmond, meanwhile, owned a .258 average with Marquette this past season. She compiled 17 hits, 15 runs scored, four doubles, one triple and seven RBI.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Abby will help us out in the middle infield and in the outfield this year. She has the ability to adapt wherever you put her and she'll push her teammates in both the infield and outfield. She also carries a great attitude where she's ready to work hard and be pushed. I'm excited to see where she lands on the field as she can be successful in many positions."

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com throughout the year for full updates on the softball team.